Eddy Grant - Electric Avenue
1981
After watching this video I’m pretty convinced Daft Punk saw this and was like, “Whoa electronic robot voices, new wave dance, two guys wearing leather suits and helmets…hmmmm…wait, let’s drop the reggae bit though”. Although I DO wish Daft Punk would do an electronic reggae album.
Eddy Grant - Romancing The Stone
1984
This isn’t really ska or reggae, but Eddy Grant was probably one of the most underrated ska/reggae dudes in the game. Plus this video is GREAT. Fast forward to the 1:35 mark after Michael Douglas throw a briefcase which does not amuse Eddy, to see a jump cut to a machete in the air which turns into a guitar ala Kubrick 2001 style. Which then Eddy proceeds to shred out on top of this mountain while the camera flies over him capturing him in all his glory. Amazing.
Beastie Boys - Netty’s Girl
Directed by Tamra Davis
Prob my favorite video of hers she directed. Boomin system up top, in the back, awwww….
Sonic Youth - Bull In Heather
Directed by Tamra Davis
Everyone’s seen this video but most heads don’t know that Tamra Davis directed this (and a few other Sonic Youth vids). To up the Beastie Boys trivia even more, Kathleen Hanna (who’s seen bouncing around riot grrrl style looking real cute-like in this vid) is married to the one and only King Adrock.
Little Dragon - Forever (live)
2009
Yukimi Nagano…SWOON.
Eddie Murphy - How Could It Be
1985
MASTERPIECE THEATRE
Am I the only one that wishes MC Skat Kat made a comeback in 2010?
Gil Scott-Heron - Me and the Devil
Directed by Coodie & Chike and Michael Sterling Eaton
2010
Brother Gil is back! Pioneer of hip-hop/spoken word/socio-political 70’s soul and one of my personal favs has a new album titled I’m New Here, which comes out next month on XL Recordings (!). His new single is a modern version of ”Me and the Devil Blues” by the equally legendary blues pioneer Robert Johnson.
This video reminds me of the documentary Dark Days by Marc Singer with its gritty black/white portrait of New York City. That plus The Warriors but with…skaters in Dia De Los Muertos makeup instead. Whatever, it works. Gil Scott-Heron is back in 2010. This is good news you guys!!!
NERD TRIVIA: According to legend, Robert Johnson made a deal with the Devil in exchange for his guitar playing skills; skills which paved the way for delta blues and subsequently, rock n’ roll. (This Faust-like story has since been a reoccurring theme in blues culture as well as recently in the film O Brother, Where Art Thou, and in episodes of Mighty Boosh and Metalocalypse.)
Mt. St. Helen’s Vietnam Band - Albatross, Albatross, Albatross
Directed by Matt Daniels/Thinklab
2009
Wow more music videos need to look like this. I wish I had a RED camera.
MC Miker G & DJ Sven - Holiday Rap
1986
Chromeo wishes they could sound like this.
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights
2007
Philip Michael Thomas - Just the Way I Planned It
1985
NEVER FORGET: Tubbs once had a music career
The Bangles - Hazy Shade of Winter
Less Than Zero soundtrack
Def Jam, 1987
Onyx & Biohazard - Slam
1993
Most slept on of the rap/rock collabos?
